This story appears in ESPN The Magazines Oct. 31 NBA Preview Issue. Subscribe today!LOVE -- OFFERED AND?justified, frustrated or spurned -- has been at the heart of our Ultimate Standings for 14 years as weve used fan surveys and financial analysis to rank MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL teams by how they reward fans for the time, money and emotion they invest in them.So when Lightning captain Steven Stamkos answers a question about his teams fans, players and staff with You can feel that love -- well, that says it all about his teams place at the top.Love is also something Stamkos had to weigh over the summer as one of hockeys most coveted free agents. Stamkos, who started skating on ponds and public rinks in the Toronto suburbs at the age of 2, could have gone home to play for the Maple Leafs. Or to Detroit, where the Red Wings have made the playoffs for 25 seasons in a row. Or to Buffalo, or any of half a dozen other cities whose teams might have offered him north of $10 million a year. Instead, he re-upped with Tampa Bay for eight years and $68 million.Among his possible suitors, the Lightning probably offered Stamkos his best chance to win a title. And in Tampa, he trusts the front office, enjoys the sun and appreciates the lack of a state income tax. But something else counted too. The organization, he says, has done almost a complete 180 since 2008, when he was an 18-year-old rookie and the Bolts were one of the worst teams in the league. In describing the changes he has seen, Stamkos sounds more like a VP of marketing than the Lightnings six-time top scorer:When you cant necessarily sell your product on the ice, you really have to sell the fan experience, he says. In larger markets, you can sell out your games whether you go 82-0 or 0-82, but Tampa isnt like that. So now we give fans a lot of access to players, like at Carnival Day. Fans enjoy the huge scoreboard and the lightning inside the arena and concerts before and after the game. The staff is friendly. And now that weve developed a core of players and expectations are high for us, we still genuinely want fans to come and bring their families.You can feel it, whether its during games or coming to the rink or when youre recognized throughout the community, Stamkos says. Tampa is gradually becoming a hockey town.EIGHT YEARS AGO, the Lightning were incompetent on the ice and in the owners box. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Vinik was a gazillionaire looking for his next big investment.Growing up in the shore town of Deal, New Jersey, Vinik loved hockey so much that at the age of 5 he would sneak a small black-and-white TV into bed with him to pick up night games. I used to watch the Rangers on Channel 9, he recalls. And after we moved to New York City, I would go to games all the time. Brad Park was my guy.Vinik was no skater, though; it turned out his talents lay in managing wealth. As a financier, he twice made fortunes for himself and investors: He ran Boston-based Fidelity Magellan, which became the worlds largest mutual fund in the go-go 90s, and then his own hedge fund.It wasnt until he was about to turn 50 that he began to imagine getting involved with his childhood love at a different level. At a holiday concert in December 2008, Vinik was drinking wine with a friend and musing about the future when he suddenly said: Im going to buy a hockey team.This was during the dark interregnum between the 2004-05 and 2012-13 lockouts, when many NHL clubs failed to spend within their means, various Sun Belt franchises teetered on the brink of survival and several owners started looking to sell. By the time Vinik was ready to buy in 2010, he estimated that eight to 15 teams were either on the market or potentially available. And he quickly zeroed in on the Lightning. For one thing, the team was mismanaged but had some intriguing assets, including an established star in Vincent Lecavalier and an emerging young stud in Stamkos. For another, Vinik saw the entire Tampa region as an undervalued asset: mired in recession but with all the raw materials for recovery, like a fast-growing and well-educated population. It was an opportunity looking for a catalyst, he says. I was extremely bullish on the area, and I still am.In 2010, he bought the Lightning and 5.5 acres around their arena for a reported $170 million, $30 million less than the team had sold for two years earlier.In sharp contrast to his earlier gigs managing funds, Vinik, as sole owner of the Lightning, doesnt have other investors pushing him to chase quick profits. Instead, he has pursued the twin goals of building an elite NHL franchise and making a major civic impact in his new hometown. Nobody wants to lose money, and weve gotten ourselves to breaking even, he says. But the metrics you can use to evaluate how much a team is worth -- its sport, media revenues, cash flow -- theyre kind of irrelevant. Im not selling.I dont play golf. This is what I do for fun. And I want to be the owner of a great franchise.The Tampa faithful appreciate Viniks perspective -- and how it differs from that of other sports landlords, some absentee, whom they have encountered through the years. In our surveys, fans rated the Lightning among the top three teams in sports in having honest ownership, showing commitment to their community and providing avenues for fans to give feedback. Vinik -- the guy is at every game, hes a fan, says Marshall Ames, a 58-year-old financial adviser who has been a season-ticket holder since 1991, before the team ever took the ice. Meanwhile, Stuart Sternberg, when is he at a Rays game?Vinik acquired the Lightning in February 2010; three months later he hired Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman as GM. After a 22-year playing career in Detroit, Yzerman had moved into the Red Wings front office and also assembled the Canada roster that won Olympic gold in 2010. With the Lightning, hes had a knack for finding contributors beyond the top of the NHL draft, such as Ondrej Palat, a seventh-rounder in 2011, and Tyler Johnson, an undrafted WHL center. Yzerman has also traded shrewdly, like in 2014 when Martin St. Louis wanted out of town and reportedly said hed play only for the Rangers. Despite having close to zero leverage, the Lightning got back Ryan Callahan and three draft picks for St. Louis and a pick. (St. Louis is now retired, Callahan is signed through 2020 and Yzerman has wheeled and dealed the picks into more prospects.)Under Yzerman, the Lightning have established the kind of continuity fans love: They produce and retain enough talent not just to contend but to keep fans attached to the organization even as veterans such as Lecavalier and St. Louis depart. Tampa Bay ranked No. 2 in our surveys in keeping core players, and fans placed the Lightning in the top five in both willingness to pay for players and getting the most out of the money they spend -- a feat almost as difficult to pull off in these standings as in real life.All that has led to real on-ice success. Under coach Jon Cooper -- a former standout junior hockey coach whom Yzerman groomed in the AHL -- the Lightning have racked up an average of 102 points over the past three seasons and made the Eastern Conference finals twice. Yet fans pay 28 percent less than the NHL average to see games in Tampa (average ticket price in 2014-15: $44.50).But the Lightning experience has become more than a tag sale. The teams executives have used the Green Bay Packers as their model: smaller market, rabid fan base, good service. And its in that last category that Tampa Bay truly excels. For one thing, Vinik has invested more than $70 million renovating Amalie Arena, giving it an identity it sorely lacked and a conviviality for everyday fans, who can now walk around the concourses during the action because eight lower-level suites were removed to open up the stadium bowl. A huge pipe organ, the biggest in the league, blasts music and three types of thunder noises-one gigantic boom when theyre all played together. And theres actual lightning, from a pair of Tesla coils sparking purple arcs. Six years ago in our arena, you wouldnt have known you were in Tampa Bay, Lightning CEO Steve Griggs says. Now you couldnt be anyplace else.The Lightning also award $50,000 at every home game to a community hero, whom fans can nominate and who then donates the money to a charitable cause of his or her choice. The program has honored local citizens ranging from Bob Buckhorn, the mayor of Tampa, to Ben Carpenter, a teenager who plays power wheelchair soccer. It has rewarded more than 400 nonprofits -- while extending the Lightnings reach to those charities board members. Vinik and his wife, Penny, recently pledged $10 million to keep the program going for at least five more years.Theres a vibe running through many of the Lightnings efforts that is downright ... friendly. Walk through the turnstiles in Tampa, watch the Lightning and the lightning, primal-scream during the thunder, cheer the community hero-its almost as if a phantom limb of your sports personality comes back to life.That was a priority for Vinik. Since taking control of this operation, he has imprinted courtesy on its business model. (He imposes only one rule in his owners box: No talking while theres action on the ice, which is sometimes enough to drive Buckhorn out of the suite.) We want ticket takers, ushers, bartenders, everyone in the building to think about how to serve fans, Griggs says. Its about making lasting memories. Its about being nice.YES, TO BE a Lightning fan is to be pleasantly surprised. Hillsborough County, Florida, buzzes with tales of how former CEO Tod Leiweke once rushed to assist a woman struck by a puck. Or how former captain Dave Andreychuk, now a Bolts VP, has helped customers find the right jersey size. Or how staff noticed a mom having trouble with her sons faulty wheelchair, so they took it to the maintenance facility and repaired it. Not coincidentally, in our surveys, Tampa Bay ranked first in having owners and players who show appreciation to fans.For all of that, the entire enterprise did seem to hang in the balance during the run-up to Stamkos decision in the summer. We didnt think there was a chance hed come back, and we were devastated, says John Thresher, a 40-year-old construction attorney and Tampa Bay season-ticket holder. And if he had gone, who knows how much talent the Lightning would be able to hang on to. For him to come back rather than taking the money and running, it just endorses what we like to feel about this team.Two days after Stamkos committed to the Lightning, defenseman Victor Hedman followed his lead, inking an eight-year extension. A few months later, the Lightning re-signed Nikita Kucherov to another team-friendly deal. So now, with their core intact on the ice and season tickets up from 3,000 to 14,500 under Vinik, the Lightning are planning to build out from a whole new plateau by growing the fan base. As local interest in playing hockey explodes, the team is investing in programs and equipment around the region. One example: The Bolts are distributing 100,000 sticks and balls to get kids playing in driveways and on streets before taking the ice. This teams been around for 24 years now, Griggs says. Second- and third-generation Lightning fans are starting out believing. Weve created tribalism.Forbes magazine says the Lightning have increased in value by 49 percent since 2011, to $260 million, and carry less debt than any comparable NHL franchise. Beyond those numbers, fans tell the story of an organization inspiring such loyalty that hockey no longer feels foreign to Florida. A lot of teams think, If we win, they will come,? Griggs says. But you have to look at all the pillars that sustain the ebb and flow of your support. And its not just in this building. Its in this community.Other franchises, take note: Treat fans well and you just might capture love, and lightning, in a bottle. Wholesale Jerseys For Sale . -- There were so many positives from the Orlando Magics first victory of the season that it was hard for coach Jacque Vaughn to stop praising his players. Sale Wholesale Jerseys . A lawyer for MLB, Matthew Menchel, confirmed Wednesday the league dropped its case against Biogenesis of America, its owner Anthony Bosch and several other individuals. The lawsuit had accused Biogenesis and Bosch of conspiring with players to violate their contracts by providing them with banned performance-enhancing substances. http://www.cheapjerseyssale.net/ . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. Cheap Stitched NFL Jerseys . -- Playing time has been limited for Maxim Tissot this season, so the Montreal Impact defender made the most of his first scoring opportunity on Saturday. Authentic China Jerseys . -- Charlie Graham stopped 67 shots as the Belleville Bulls edged the visiting Guelph Storm 6-5 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. MINNEAPOLIS -- The Detroit Tigers gained ground in the American League wild card race on Wednesday night, even though they were rained out in Minnesota.Thursdays doubleheader gives Detroit another big opportunity to climb in the wild card standings.Wednesdays game was delayed by rain in the bottom of the third inning with the two teams scoreless and was postponed 90 minutes later leading to a split doubleheader on Thursday.Despite the rainout, the Tigers moved within a game of the Orioles for the final AL wild card as Toronto lost 2-1 at Seattle and Baltimore was beaten 5-1 by Boston.Right-hander Buck Farmer started for Detroit on Wednesday and had allowed one hit in 2 2/3 innings. Minnesota rookie Jose Berrios had stranded runners on third in the first two innings while giving up two hits and two walks.Berrios entered the game with an 8.88 ERA in his first 12 major league starts, which included an 0-1 mark against the Tigers with a 19.06 ERA.Youre just looking for things to make him feel a little bit better about what hes doing, Twins manager Paul Molitor said. We talked about after those innings when hes able to get off the field unscathed even though hes had a rough time, and how he can build on those things. Its kind of like it never happened because its going to get washed away, but at least in his mind he knows he went out there and competed pretty well for three innings.Verlander has won 11 of his last 12 decisions against Minnesota with a 2.28 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 118 2/3 innings. Santana hasnt recorded a decision in his last three outings, despite allowing just four runs in 18 innings.TThe postponement could prove beneficial for a few injury situations for both teams.ddddddddddddDetroit second baseman Ian Kinsler and designated hitter Victor Martinez were both out of Wednesdays lineup. Kinsler likely wouldnt be ready for Thursday as he deals with a concussion. Martinez has swelling in his right knee after being hit by a pitch on Sunday.Twins third baseman Miguel Sano came to the ballpark on Wednesday with a little stiffness after a rigorous workout on Tuesday, Molitor said. Sano has been out since Sept. 12 with a back injury, but Molitor left open the possibility that he could return to the lineup on Thursday.Well see how he does tomorrow, Molitor said. I know he did some cage stuff today. Im hoping that he can swing. We dont have a ton of players, considering where were at, so it would be nice if we can spread the workload out a little bit tomorrow.Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, who is third in the AL with 41 home runs, was hit in the ribs by a pitch in Wednesdays abbreviated game.We have to wait to see how he feels tomorrow, Molitor said. It was kind of up in the rib section. Hopefully hell be OK to find his way in there tomorrow in the early game, and well see how he does.UP NEXT:Anibal Sanchez (7-13, 5.90 ERA) will start the day game for Detroit against Minnesotas Pat Dean (1-6, 6.71). The finale of the three-game series will feature Tigers ace Justin Verlander (14-8, 3.22) facing the Twins top starter in right-hander Ervin Santana (7-10, 3.53). Cheap Stitched Jerseys China Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Womens Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Outlet Wholesale Throwback Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys 2019 Jerseys Wholesale Discount NFL Jerseys Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Throwback Cheap NFL Gear Cheap NFL Jerseys Throwback Wholesale Jerseys 2018 Wholesale NFL White Jerseys ' ' '